A lawsuit alleging ``systematic victimization`` of elderly homeowners by a group of Broward County roofing firms Monday became the largest consumer case ever filed by Legal Aid Service of Broward Inc.

In an amended complaint filed on behalf of retired sea captain Frank Rehm, 78, of Fort Lauderdale, Legal Aid added six new defendants to Rehm`s January complaint that he and dozens of other elderly homeowners were swindled out of thousands of dollars -- and, in some cases, even their homes -- by a coalition of roofing scam artists that have been operating in the area for years.

As it did before, the lawsuit identifies convicted roofing scam artists Robert P. Franta, 55, and his brother, John C. Franta, 57, as participants in the alleged roofing scheme. It also names Eugene Amrhein, 48, operator of a defunct company called Knight Roofing Inc., and Edwin Lee of Pompano Beach as the leaders of firms that allegedly used high-pressure tactics to sell elderly victims roofing work they did not need.

However, the 53-page, 29-count amended complaint also claims Robert P. Franta`s son, Robert J. Franta, 28, and Amrhein`s attorney, William Beggs, were part of the ``pattern of racketeering activity`` used to sell waterproofing treatments known as ``Perma-tex, Insul-tex and Diamond Cote.``

The suit was also expanded to include Nathan Schikler, an officer in two home-improvement mortgage firms named Florida Homeowners Mortgage Company Inc. and Improvement Finance Consultants Inc.

The suit charges Schikler with negligence in his role as financier of Rehm`s roofing job. Among other things, said the complaint, Schikler did financing business with the Frantas and their partner, Lee, none of whom were licensed by the state to handle home-improvement loans.

Neither Beggs nor Schikler could be reached for comment Monday, but Beggs, listed as Knight Roofing president, said earlier this year he was not an active partner in Knight Roofing`s operation.

The attorney, who admitted some other past business connections with Amrhein, said he had only listed himself as a Knight Roofing officer as a convenience and accommodation for his client.

Beggs also had been representing the Frantas earlier this year in a settlement negotiation with Rehm that ultimately broke down.

According to Nancy Trease, the Legal Aid attorney who first filed the case in January, the massive suit and underlying investigation have required hundreds of hours and are now being handled by three Legal Aid attorneys.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Department of Professional Regulation and Comptroller`s Office also have been investigating some of the charges in Rehm`s complaint.